Speaking: Self-Improvement Part 1

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image- At cafe
Reading time: 3 minutes

In Part 1 of PTE Academic, you will require many core English skills to pass. It is very important that you prepare and look at ways you can maximize your score.

We’ve put together some tips to help based on each question type.

Read aloud

In the Read Aloud question type, you will be scored based on content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

As part of this question type, you will need to speak aloud and say all the words in the correct order.

Here are some tips to help maximize your chances of receiving points:

  • Make sure you do not replace any words, leave any words out or add any. If you make a mistake and try to correct it, it will be counted as added words.

  • Once prompted, you must speak into the microphone right away and read with a smooth, easy natural speed. Try not to speak too fast or too slow.

  • Use English rhythm with chunking and sentence stress used correctly.

  • Try not to hesitate or repeat words as you will lose points.

Repeat sentence

The Repeat Sentence question type is scored based on the same elements as the Read Aloud question type: content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

Here are some tips to help gain points in this question type:

  • Say all of the words in the exact same order. Do not rush.

  • Do not use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet, keep the sentence in your head.

  • It’s easier to keep the sentence in your mind if you understand the meaning. Try to understand the meaning.

  • If unsure of a word the speaker used, say what you think you heard.

  • Do not speak too fast or slow.

  • Similar to read aloud, use English rhythm with chunking and sentence stress. You will also lose points in this question type if you hesitate, repeat words or stumble to start.

  • Speak with the sounds of an English speaker and copy the intonation pattern of the speaker, but do not change your accent.

Describe image

In the Describe Image question type, you will be scored based on content, oral fluency and pronunciation.

To be able to describe the image, you will need to understand it as it could be a graph, picture, map, chart or table. Always read the title and make sure you understand the parts that make up the image.

Some extra tips include:

  • Use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet to take notes about the image, which you can use in your answer. For example, if the image is a graph, chart or table, is there a trend you can comment on? If it’s a map or picture, what are the important features?

  • Include all aspects and elements of the image in your answer.

  • Start with a general statement about the image then summarize the most important points.

  • If there are words on the image you want to use but are unsure how to pronounce them, don’t worry, just say them how you think they should be said.

  • Try using connector words to link the information you give. For example, use words such as: also, however, as or besides.

You can receive up to 5 points based on your content. In order to score above 1, you will need to include the relationships between parts of the image, possible developments and conclusions or implications of the information in the image.

Don’t forget to talk with a smooth, natural speed at all times during the speaking test.

In total, there are five speaking sections of Part 1: Speaking and Writing.

We recommend that you read more about the other question types such as Re-tell Lecture and Short Answer Question types and learn how to pick up points for these.

Want to learn more about the smart way to prepare for PTE?

Smart Prep brings all our free and paid preparation into one convenient place, so you can mix and match to fit your unique needs.

  • Smart Prep provides a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

  • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

  • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

Want more prep ideas?

Plus, explore Smart Prep, which combines all our practice materials in one place, so it's easier for you to stay on track with your PTE preparation.

  • Smart Prep is a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

  • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

  • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

Ready to get started?

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